The Open University of Great Britain is an open-enrollment, home-based institution in which the majority of the instruction is conducted via broadcasts and correspondence. The student is required to interact with printed materials, broadcasts, tutors, counselors, assignments, cassette recordings, experiment kits, etc. The choice of media is…

Over 2,000 currently available items are listed in the 1976-1977 Audio-Visual Equipment Directory with specifications on price, model, weight, capacity, accessories, and technical details. Charts for screen size, lists of film and tape running times, an index to industry trade names, and a directory of equipment manufacturers are also provided.…

A three-phase plan for organizing a school media center provides step-by-step instruction on planning, ordering materials, and curriculum implementation. Design of media centers for both existing facilities and new schools are discussed. Topics covered include scheduling the use of media-center time, organizing the curriculum, and involving the…

This catalog lists the audiovisual materials and traveling exhibits currently and soon to be available from the Reference and Loan Library of the Wisconsin State Department of Public Instruction, which could be used for children's programs in public libraries. The materials in the catalog are briefly annotated and are listed by format: filmstrips,…

The major interest of this study was to examine the interaction between selected ethnic cues in the aural and visual channels and the effect they have on student perception of an information source. Some 186 sixth grade students were divided equally along black and white racial lines into two groups and shown a filmstrip on drug abuse. Three…

Audiovisual aids currently in use in the Quincy, Mass., public schools are evaluated in terms of how well they meet performance objectives for a particular course. The materials range from nursery to senior high school level in the curriculum areas of art, music, social studies, communications, science, mathematics, health and physical education,…

This conference report contains a keynote address by Dr. Howard Altman, entitled "Individualizing Foreign Language Instruction: Theoretical and Practical Considerations," and five reports of the conference group sessions. Reports include: (1) "Techniques for Implementing Individualized Instruction," (2) "Performance Objectives," (3) "Developing…

Describes a pilot scheme designed to help teachers and students to solve some of the problems inherent in teaching a foreign language (in this case, French) to a group of students of different levels. The course makes extensive use of language laboratory and peer group teaching. (Author/CB)

The discussion of sustained silent reading (SSR), an independent reading technique commonly used to support native language literacy development, recommends the method in the teaching of English as a second language (ESL). It is argued that because SSR materials are self-selected, they are likely to be selected at an appropriate comprehension…

Ten ways to design an effective Human-Computer Interface are explained. Highlights include material delivery that relates to user knowledge; appropriate screen presentations; attention value versus learning and recall; the relationship of packaging and message; the effectiveness of visuals and text; the use of color to enhance communication; the…

Discussion of the need for school reform focuses on teaching students enrolled in teacher education programs how to use systems approach principles to help with instructional planning. Topics discussed include setting objectives; selecting instructional materials; evaluating instructional effectiveness; constraints and pressures faced by teachers;…

Proposes new ways to get students involved in the classroom by using new information technology such as CD-ROM atlases. Maintains that using technology in the classroom allows students to learn at different rates, promotes critical thinking and problem solving, and encourages global awareness. Includes an evaluation of several CD-ROM atlases. (MJP)

Advocates storytelling as a powerful resource to promote an understanding of racial and ethnic diversity. Addresses issues of selection criteria including elements of character development, prejudice reduction, authority and authorship, and language. Includes an annotated bibliography of stories for preschool and primary-age students and reference…

A survey of teacher education programs in Ohio examined the content and methods of instructional media and technology courses. Discusses topics that should be included in a basic instructional media course: production techniques, technology integration, use and maintenance of audiovisual equipment, selection and evaluation of media materials,…

This paper assesses the impact of using computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in three American University undergraduate classes, a General Education survey course on Latin America (taught in English), and two Spanish language courses. The courses utilized both commercial software programs and software programs authored by faculty using Macintosh…